For the 2017 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season, we’re honored to be featuring the Local Impact Award. This award is being given to participants who have been instrumental in strengthening the 3-Day® community throughout the year. Local Impact Award honorees have gone above and beyond in their efforts leading training walks, attending 3-Day community events. They have also supported the 3-Day staff year-round at meet-ups and workshops, and in general, been making a difference by building lasting relationships and showing commitment to the 3-Day in all they do.

Please join us in congratulating the 2017 Twin Cities 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, Sue Norling.

Sue has walked in 9 3-Days and crewed in 6 other 3-Day events, all the while fundraising a total of $24,324.53! All those that know her love and support Susan, but her sister Jennifer Groschen says Sue is especially deserving of this honor because she “lives and breathes [the 3-Day] on a second by second basis.” Jennifer, who is also a 3-Day walker, didn’t stop there when praising her sister! “Sunshine or rain, Sue will never complain. Susan has walked and volunteered in over 15 events! This is incredible! It’s HER life!  Her positive attitude and funny personality are what makes her so much fun to be around! She is quick witted, cracks jokes that invite others to chime into the conversations, makes friends everywhere she goes, and is always giving back. She has one of the most outgoing personalities, so that even when you want to give up – she will cheer you on to keep going! She will make you laugh when you want to cry. She will pick you up when you’re feeling down or if need a lift someplace she’ll be there (surprisingly not in a pink car – yet…)

Through blisters and tears, fundraising is no fear. Before most people’s blisters, tired/sore feet and aching muscles have even had a chance to think about healing or recovery, Sue has ALREADY signed up for and is fundraising for the next event. I believe several times she’s been signed up to volunteer at one (Twin Cities) and walk another (San Diego) in the same year. “Whether she is assisting in keeping a sugar boost going amongst up her co-workers by selling candy bars at her desk, selling “boobie pins” for awareness, talking to potential 3-Day walkers or hosting a training walk, Sue is constantly in “Fundraising Participant mode.” She is often spotted walking in our community with her pink (of course) stripped Zubas – FULL 3-Day gear on (as if already walking the 3-Day) parading down the streets! Sue is a glorious, inspirational sight to see and completely enthusiastic about it while waving to people as they pass – all the while raising awareness!”

After all that praise, we had to hear from Sue herself! When we asked her these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be selected as our winner!

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

 My Mom, Eunice. She is now a 10-year warrior! She is even helping as a day volunteer on Saturday. 78 and still out there and active!

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

Commit to walking early, and ask everyone. I have people that I know I can count on every year. I make sure to send an email right away and follow up with a hand written “snail mail” delivered thank you, and a hand written follow up after the season is over. And I let them know that I am walking again and where, for the following year so they have been “warned.”

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Train, hydrate, and enjoy the event. Talk to a random walker! BAM, NEW FRIEND.

What’s a fun fact about you?

My kids don’t think I am funny, but trust me I am. 🙂

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

Enjoy your “pink bubble” while on event. You will make friends from everywhere. You may only see them at the 3-Day on event, but the bond you make will last a lifetime.

On behalf of all of us walking, crewing, and supporting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, thank you Sue. We can’t wait to see all your pink 3-Day spirit on future events!

Please join us in congratulating our 2017 Twin Cities Milestone Award Winner; Alyssa Smith. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Twin Cities 3-Day camp show, we presented Alyssa with this special honor.

Since her first walk 11 years ago, Alyssa has taken on the 3-Day 20 times, and will be walking in San Diego as well as the Twin Cities this year. All told, she has raised $57,706.00 for the 3-Day! Her positivity and dedication are well-known on the routes.

To get to know Alyssa better, we asked the 3-Day community for stories about her, and the response was glowing!

“Alyssa is one to always give back and pay it forward. She is an incredible listener and one that always makes a difference. Her stubbornness and gleam for traditions are what help to create her success in everything she puts her mind to. Alyssa is one to be in the moment, whether it’s when she playing her drums in her living room or listening to a friend and sharing her own stories. Alyssa believes that despite pain and sadness, hope and inspiration are incredibly strong forces. This is why she has earned this year’s 2017 Milestone Award!”

Now let’s hear about the 3-Day and Alyssa’s story in her own words. When we asked her these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be selected as our winner!

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. I came across an advertisement for the 3-Day a year later, while I was researching her medication. The idea was stuck in my head from that moment on, and I finally clicked the “submit” button in 2007 (at about 1:00am, before I could talk myself out of it!).

Someone else made it possible for my mom to still be here today (13-year survivor!), and I wanted to give back and pay that forward.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

First, because I can’t stop. I carry the names that donors give to me – of people fighting, and of those we have lost.  Every year at the walks, I listen and hear so many more names to keep walking for. I don’t walk just in honor of my mom — I also walk in honor of all of them.

Second, the community. As soon as I arrived at that first opening ceremony, I knew I had found “my place.” This community is so full of love and inspiration, and I am continually in awe of the people I meet. I come back for those genuine interactions – to hear stories, to laugh and cry, share hugs, and to try to make a difference.

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Apply “Body Glide” often — even if you don’t think you need to! STRETCH. And, most importantly, be in the moment and share stories with those around you.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

On a personal level: That I can push through just about anything I set out to do.

On a larger scale: That despite pain and sadness, hope and inspiration are incredibly strong forces.

On behalf of all of us walking, crewing, and supporting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, thank you.